There is a strong correlation between public policy and the strength of local green building markets. The 10 cities with the most projects certified or registered through LEED have policies in place that promote green building. These policies range from requiring publicly funded facilities to achieve LEED certification to providing incentives to privately funded projects. Across the nation there are more than 90 municipalities with green building policies or programs in place to learn from.

Top 10 Cities for LEED certified and register projects as of September 2007:

1. Chicago 236
2. Washington 223
3. New York 193
4. Portland 174
5. Seattle 165
6. Atlanta 141
7. Los Angeles 141
8. Houston 126
9. San Francisco 117
10. San Diego 88

Leadership from elected officials and the hard work of dedicated staff has contributed to the tremendous growth in green building. McGraw-Hill estimates that green building construction starts will exceed $12 billion in 2007, and reach $60 billion by 2010.

But we’re just getting started.